A bill to protect Hoosiers from influence by foreign adversaries advanced to the Indiana Senate.
House Bill 1032, authored by State Rep. Craig Haggard, R-Mooresville, would prohibit those affiliated with countries labeled as foreign adversaries from contracting with the state, restrict foreign ownership of businesses in Indiana and increase transparency on foreign ties to schools and universities. Those found in violation will be issued a civil penalty to be collected by the state, according to the bill summary.
“House Bill 1032 is another crucial step in protecting Indiana from foreign influence by closing loopholes that allow adversarial entities to gain a foothold in our state,” Haggard said in a statement. “By tightening restrictions on contracts, property ownership and financial ties, we’re prioritizing Hoosiers’ interests and strengthening our state’s security. I’m proud to support this legislation and look forward to seeing it move through the process.”
The bill applies to countries that are labeled as foreign adversaries in state and federal code. This includes places such as China, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia and Venezuela, the statement says.
The passed the House Judiciary Committee and House Ways and Means Committee earlier this month before passing with a vote of 68-21 in the full House, according to the vote sheet. It now moves to the Senate for further consideration.
Other members of Johnson County’s House representatives delegation — Republicans Michelle Davis of Whiteland, Robb Greene of Shelbyville and Peggy Mayfield of Martinsville — voted with Haggard for the bill.